Dozens of objections to plan for new homes set to be discussed by Hartlepool councillors next week

Proposals were submitted earlier this year by Hartlepool Borough Council for land at Hill View in Greatham, and all 18 properties would be owned and managed by the council through the choice-based lettings system.

The 18 homes would be made up of two two bedroom properties, 10 three bed sites, two four bed houses and four bungalows, and the site would consist of 100% affordable rent properties.

However 41 objections have been submitted to the plans, raising concerns the homes would have a detrimental impact on highway and pedestrian safety, the character of the area, cause a loss of open space, and the lack of need for the homes in the area.

An objection was submitted by Greatham Residents’ Association to the plans, which stated they were ‘almost universally opposed’ following a consultation event in December last year.

They also raised concerns of the additional impact of the homes due to 36 new properties already being under construction on Station Road in the village.

It said: “It is fair to say that the plans, as presented, were almost universally opposed by residents.

“If both go ahead it would result in a 15% increase in the village population. The proposal does not assess the impact of this on local infrastructure.

“The loss of green space and replacement by an unsuitable public space is contrary to the rural plan and therefore unacceptable.

“The Hill View development as proposed, in conjunction with the current Station Road development, present a significant road safety danger for local residents which we consider unacceptable.”

Objections were also received by Hartlepool Rural Neighbourhood Plan Group, Greatham Parish Council, Elwick Parish Council and Hartlepool Civic Society.

The plans are to go before Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee on Wednesday, March 18 and council planning officers have recommended them for approval.

Documents from planning agent Gus Robinson Developments Ltd, acting on behalf of the council, state the proposals are ‘a great opportunity’ to develop the Hill View site.

A planning statement said: “The site represents a highly sustainable location for residential development which makes the most efficient use of land and complies with current national planning policy to provide affordable housing and bungalows for which there is an identified need.

“There will be no detrimental impacts upon the amenity of neighbouring properties or the character of the area in general.”

A report from council planning officers ahead of the meeting states the plans are acceptable, subject to agreeing developer contributions.

It said: “The application is considered to be acceptable with respect to the relevant material planning considerations and is considered to be in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan 2018.”